Notre Dame’s Team 33F, from left, Gabe Birchmeier, Tom Frost and Nolan Weimer, after finishing up Sunday’s Michigan VEX Robotics State High School Championship at MSU. Team member Vince Larsson was on hand all day at the event, but is not in the photo.
"It was a wonderful way to finish the season," said Louise Palardy, who manages the Notre Dame robotics program. "They did great in their interview and the judges loved them."
Palardy also noted that the ND Prep two other teams in the competition did well.
"Team 33K, or DQ Specialists, which includes Evaristo Garcia, Devin Martin, Leonard Li and Evan Melucci, finished in 16th place out of 36 teams in their division," Palardy said. "Their robot performed well and they carried their alliance in all of their matches. But it wasn't quite enough to get them into the finals, and they ended the day at the front of the line of teams waiting to be picked."
Palardy added that 33K had a lot to be proud of, but it was hard not to be disappointed. "Nevertheless this team should be very proud of what they accomplished this year," she said.
Notre Dame's other team in the state competition, Team 33T, or "Tech Support Assassins," comprised of Josh Samuels, Nic Genord, Tom Joppich, Santiago Plazas and Harley Collins, also did well in the qualifications and were in the top ten of their division for most of the day.
"However, during alliance selection, even though they were close to the front of the line, they did not get picked," Palardy said. "The 33T team also has a lot to be proud of, especially how strong they finished the season. As 10th graders, they were one of the younger teams at states, and they can only get better next year."
Palardy also had high praise for the upperclassmen who were at the event.
"Our eight seniors have been great role models for our younger students," she said. "They have been a leading example by being courteous, considerate and hard-working. They will be missed in our robotics center!"
Team 33F, ”Brainstorm,” earned the Judges Award on Sunday.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org